Looking for 4.6 stroker engine feedback

[Freddy B]

Are you running a Mopar radiator?

The mopar radiator is gone, went with a performance fit Griffin 3 core. The best they make that fits, had to modify to make it work.

I own a shop and can do all work. I had head redecked when valve went bad. All Mopar sensors.

My point is that a stroker isn’t plug and play. I’ve got 8k in a motor; 3k in radiator and valve issue and constant CEL for all sorts of replacement sensors. None of which were probably bad, likely just PCM failing. But the stoker makes all regular problems worse.

I’d 100% do the hemi and get a modern, trans, pcm and sensor system. Just my experience; take it as my opinion in living with it for 5 years and 15k miles

 

[MikeE024]

The mopar radiator is gone,

I'm not sure what you mean by that. I bought a spare Mopar radiator around the holidays and there are some listed still right now.

went with a performance fit Griffin 3 core. The best they make that fits, had to modify to make it work.

Was it interfering with the A/C condenser or the mechanical fan? What did you need to do to make it fit?

I own a shop and can do all work. I had head redecked when valve went bad. All Mopar sensors.

What is your compression ratio now? Any issues with detonation?

My point is that a stroker isn’t plug and play.

We've seen that it can be, but it certainly wasn't for you. Bummer.

I’ve got 8k in a motor; 3k in radiator and valve issue and constant CEL for all sorts of replacement sensors. None of which were probably bad, likely just PCM failing. But the stoker makes all regular problems worse.

It sounds like you had a bad valve, a bad PCM, and may still have an insufficient cooling system (assuming the engine is running as it should).

Were you not able to have the stroker returned or repaired under warranty?

 

[astjp2]

That's the leading theory, but boutique high ZDDP oils haven't solved it. Some people blame bad cam cores, some crappy lifter quality, some narrow cam lobes. I am having an Oldsmobile big block built for Grandpa's car. The builder has seen several cam failures as well and isn't sure why when they worked fine for years. He only builds roller lifter motors now. Unfortunately it's not an option for us.

the lifters are almost all made by one company, then put in boxes for what ever company, I had the problem with a cam in 99 in a 258. I love my stroker I built in 2008, it does make about 30% more heat too that needs to be shed in the radiator. I think its johnson tool or something like that. Lots of lifter failures too. Airplane engines are also plagued with cam failures and that oil is not a zddp additive oil. so maybe new tech is the problem

 

[MikeE024]

I love my stroker I built in 2008, it does make about 30% more heat too that needs to be shed in the radiator.

How do you know your stroker makes 30% more heat? That's a significant increase.

 

[Freddy B]

I'm not sure what you mean by that. I bought a spare Mopar radiator around the holidays and there are some listed still right now.



Was it interfering with the A/C condenser or the mechanical fan? What did you need to do to make it fit?



What is your compression ratio now? Any issues with detonation?



We've seen that it can be, but it certainly wasn't for you. Bummer.



It sounds like you had a bad valve, a bad PCM, and may still have an insufficient cooling system (assuming the engine is running as it should).

Were you not able to have the stroker returned or repaired under warranty?

It’s just a lot of work, in general. Warranty as 3 years, parts replacement only. I got sent 1 valve, $12 value.

Anyone can build great stuff. I’ve raced motocross, built dozens of off road trucks at shop. My 2 cents is the juice wasn’t worth the squeeze. Better value in newer, more reliable options.

I felt keeping close to stock was better. for me I bought best golen motor option and wouldn’t even let my guys install it. I took it to a pro off road race and engine company.

Lots of people say great things. Many haven’t actually done it. It’s not awful, just lot of work every time CEL comes on and chasing down why.

 

[MikeE024]

It’s just a lot of work, in general. Warranty as 3 years, parts replacement only. I got sent 1 valve, $12 value.

Anyone can build great stuff. I’ve raced motocross, built dozens of off road trucks at shop. My 2 cents is the juice wasn’t worth the squeeze. Better value in newer, more reliable options.

I felt keeping close to stock was better. for me I bought best golen motor option and wouldn’t even let my guys install it. I took it to a pro off road race and engine company.

Lots of people say great things. Many haven’t actually done it. It’s not awful, just lot of work every time CEL comes on and chasing down why.

I'm still hoping some of the issues can be cleaned up, so you can be happier moving forward.

 

[astjp2]

How do you know your stroker makes 30% more heat? That's a significant increase.

simple physics, 25-30 percent power = same amount of extra heat. I love my stroker, made a difference in climbing hills on the highway.